At The Black Olive, we love introducing our customers to the wonders of Greek cuisine. As a family-owned Fells Point restaurant that serves nothing but the finest in Greek and Mediterranean food, we are passionate about bringing the wonderful freshness and authentic flavors of Greek cooking to you and your family.
If you want to learn more about the cuisine of Greece, read on! We have so much to share.
When you cook Thai food, you might use coconut oil. Grapeseed oil is great when whipping up an Indian curry, and avocado oil has become a favorite for sautéing veggies and meats. But, when it comes to preparing the traditional dishes of Greece, there’s no substitute for olive oil.
We use it on salads, drizzled over bread, with fresh feta cheese with herbs, and in marinades. With Greek cuisine, the quality of the oil is also paramount. There’s nothing like extra virgin olive oil for grilling grape leaves, drizzling over sun-ripened tomatoes, or for making hummus.
Loaded with heart-healthy ingredients including olives, avocados, salmon, and lots of fresh veggies, the Greek diet, just like the Mediterranean diet, is known for being heart-healthy. Also, the foundation includes fresh, whole foods rather than processed foods. Garden produce, freshly caught fish, and fresh cheeses, nuts, and grains come together to create incredible meals that are good for you.
From rich and flavorful spreads to aromatic lamb meatballs, you’ve probably noticed there is a lot of variety in Greek cuisine. Part of the reason for this is there have been so many influences over the centuries. You’ll find Arabic, Turkish, Egyptian, and Eastern European influences in the dishes served in Greek restaurants and prepared in family kitchens.
In Greek cooking, we use lots of fresh herbs. In fact, if you like to prepare Greek meals at home, we suggest growing your own herb garden so you always have plenty of fresh herbs on hand. The most popular herbs are basil, thyme, oregano, and mint. We also use plenty of garlic and lemon to create those unforgettable flavor combinations.
In Greece, people rarely eat alone. Family dinners and eating a big evening meal with friends are the norm. When you enjoy Greek cuisine, make it a social event. Bring your loved ones and set aside plenty of time to sit back, relax, and enjoy.
From brightly colored salads with olives, cucumbers, and plenty of feta to grilled fish and meats, and delectable desserts, Greek food is so much more exciting when it’s spread on a table shared by many!
Whenever you’re in the mood for Greek food, and for award-winning wine to enjoy with it, make a reservation for a table at The Black Olive. We can’t wait to make you our guest!
